Page 108 of Lady for Embers

Scarlett’s lip curled up into a sneer as she glared at Razik. “Says the male who has spoken a whole seven words since we arrived and is watching us as if we were thieves.”

A small, dark smile pulled at his lips, but Cethin spoke ?rst. “Stop being a prick, Raz.”

“I want to know where they will be housed before I leave them,” Scarlett said.

“There are several manors near the castle.”

“Noble households?”

“Something like that.”

“I seem to remember you saying there would be no more vague answers when I arrived.”

“She is certainly as annoying as you are,” Razik said.

“Shut up, Raz,” Cethin snapped. He exhaled sharply. “What would you propose then, Scarlett?”

“Well,Lord of Night—” She paused as Razik snorted a laugh at the term, blue eyes landing on Cethin, mirth shining in them. “I would like to see where my people are going to be housed, to make sure they will be safe there.”

“I can do that. We will pass by on our way to the castle.” He gestured to the right. “There are horses waiting.”

“Horses?”

“I assumed you would not trust me enough right away to Travel us all somewhere.”

He was right about that.

“However, I underestimated the number of people who would be in your company. How many will be staying at the castle with you?”

Scarlett glanced behind her, quickly tallying in her head. “Fourteen, including myself and Sorin, but some can share space if needed.”

“It is a castle, Scarlett,” Cethin drawled. “They can each have ?ve chambers if they wish.”

“If you have so much extra space, then perhapseveryonewith me can stay there.”

“If that is what you wish.”

She was about to say yes, that is exactly what she wished, when Tava spoke softly behind her.

“Scarlett, if I may?”

She turned in surprise. “Of course, Tava.”

“I think it would be easier to keep an eye on the children if they were in a more con?ned space rather than a large castle. Not that I know how large the castle is,” she continued on in a rush. “But I assume it is much larger than a manor house.”

“The Fae would likely be more comfortable in the manor houses as well,” Briar agreed. “Rather than feeling on edge in another kingdom’s royal space.”

“If that is what you all feel is best,” she said. “But you will stay at the castle?”

Briar nodded. “After we get everyone settled, someone can escort us there. We will send messages if we need anything or there is any trouble.”

She looked at Sorin, who nodded once in agreement. “Well, I guess that is settled then,” she said, unease still making her stomach tighten at leaving her people with those she didn’t know.

“I assure you they will be taken care of, Scarlett,” Cethin coaxed. “Shall we?”

They followed Cethin and Razik down a road and around a corner, where several horses stood, tied to various posts. Cethin made his way to a large black stallion, running his hand down his nose as he said, “A few of you may need to share.”

“I can ride with Sorin,” she said, already calculating in her head.

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